Salad Buri Resort & Spa

Salad Buri Resort is an attractive place, with stunning views over Haad Salad Beach and the crystal-blue Gulf of Thailand. Centered around a small, round lagoon with a bridge crossing it, the hotel is made up of low-lying white villas with pagoda-like roofs, decorated with smart wicker furniture and traditional Thai touches, such as carved wood detailing and satin patterned bed runners. Unfortunately, many of the rooms are located up a steep hill, which could be difficult for those with limited mobility -- though staff can provide transportation via golf buggies if needed. Meanwhile, the restaurant and bar are down on the beach and have a giant terrace shaded by an ornately carved wooden pergola and mature palm trees. As the resort largely attracts couples looking for a trainquil retreat, guests can primarily be found at the ocean-view, three-level infinity pool, along the beach, or at the spa.

Set on Haad Salad Beach, overlooking the ocean, Salad Buri Resort & Spa has a quiet setting. There are a few bars and restaurants nearby, but little in the way of nightlife. Guests looking to party will need to travel for 45 minutes to Haad Rin, which is home to the popular Full Moon Parties and the highest concentration of nightlife in Thailand. The nearest airport is on the neighboring island of Koh Samui, and ferries across to Thongsala Pier take just 30 minutes, and from there it is a 30-minute journey to the resort. The closest airport on the mainland is Surat Thani International, and the journey to the resort from there takes four hours, first by car to Don Sak Sakon Port, then by ferry to Koh Phangan. 

The 48 rooms and villas here are appealing, decorated with dark-wood floors, wood and wicker furniture, rich fabrics, and colorful frangipani flower artwork over the beds. Aside from beds, furnishings include seating areas, desks and chairs, and wardrobes. Some minor wear and tear is evident. Each rooms has a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and free Wi-Fi, although some guests report difficulties staying connected. All bathrooms have rainfall showers, and upgraded options include terraces with hot tubs -- many with stunning views over the bay. Lagoon Pool Villas share a small pool overlooking the lagoon with another villa, but each has a private terrace with a hot tub. Private Pool Villas, as the name suggests, are more secluded, and have an infinity pool that looks out over the resort and the Haad Salad Bay, as well as a separate second bedroom with a single bed. 

Features here are sufficient for a relaxing, couples-centric getaway. Although there are no sunbeds on the sand, the beach here is pretty, albeit somewhat rocky, and generally tranquil. Water-sports equipment can be rented. Looking out over Haad Salad Bay and the ocean is a teal-tiled infinity pool that spans three levels. Surrounding terraces are lined with ample loungers and umbrellas. Also overlooking the beach, the on-site restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet with both continental and local fare, as well as a la carte meals throughout the day. Food, however, receives mixed reviews. A variety of traditional Thai massages and wellness therapies can be booked either out by the beach (limited privacy) or in rooms. The resort has free parking and free Wi-Fi, although some guests have reported that the internet connection is spotty.